LOVE, MEMORIES, MOUNTAINS, ETC.

Jess and I like to joke that we met based on a "technological error" -- we connected on a dating site despite being an ocean away from one another at the time. But after four years with such a strong connection, reducing it all to a faulty Geo-Locator seems wrong. We're certain greater forces were at play. Now, for the facts. I was the persistent, incorrigible flirt in the UK, shouting "Love knows no boundaries!" from the rooftops. Jess, the grounded, soft-spoken realist in Denver, insisting I was nutty for pursuing her. It would seem her practicality won the first round. After a few conversations, we resolved to just be connected on social media, watching each other's lives play out. Four years later, a spontaneous chat (about two-stepping of all things) turned into our first in-person meeting at the Denver International Airport, and we both dove head first. Second round victory: Michaela. Long-distance between Denver and Brooklyn was a challenging start, but neither of us could deny that beautiful, all-consuming feeling knowing we had found something rare. We knew that our lives could be much greater together than apart and leaned on our creativity, determination and love to guide us through. Enter stage left - a Global Pandemic - just after I moved to Denver and while Jess was adjusting to life as a first responder, and we were met again with a great challenge. But we kept at it, with incredible people in our corner, now four years strong, and ready for any test that life throws our way. Together, we've come to appreciate the little reminders of how truly imperfect and fully human we are. These offer up the best opportunities to take risks and be authentically ourselves. We are beyond grateful for all of you extraordinary people who know this side of us and have given us your unwavering support, and we can't wait to celebrate our special day with you! With Love, Jess & Michaela